357 revolver: S&W 686 Plus or Ruger GP100?

[CZ man in LA]

Can someone help me choose which one I should get?

[Tactical Fred]

Don't own either one but i would get the 686 plus....

[Oceanbob]

The Smith.

[TripleThreat]

The GP you can shoot hot loads out of, not so much for the Smith.

Triple

[CZ man in LA]

The GP you can shoot hot loads out of, not so much for the Smith.

Triple

Please elaborate? Is the S&W too picky when it comes to ammo?

[BigPimping]

686 all day long bro.

[Midtown]

GP100 for sure. Those guns are rock solid. Currently contemplating the Match Champion for 699. It really kicks it up a notch. Looks like a good buy for about 100 extra bucks (over the 4" SS).

[Venom.357]

gp100 = hotter loads (more material on the cylinder and on the majority of the gun itself. ) Built like a tank. Love mine.

686 - Better fit and finish? less burrs? but has less material? Don't own one, but im pretty sure its lighter and has less material than the gp100, you will notice a few sharp edges on the gp100 (around the hammer and overall on the gun, I think the 686 has better finish/fit.

Also ask yourself which cylinder release makes a difference for you, if that matters at all. But don't let that be the deciding factor, just keep it in mind.

[agent88]

[-hanko]

The GP you can shoot hot loads out of, not so much for the Smith.

Incorrect as to the S&W, not to mention an internet rumor.

Please elaborate? Is the S&W too picky when it comes to ammo?

It's not picky at all. TripleThreat is attempting to say that very "hot" loads can break or wear down a 686.

From my experience with both...

The Ruger is hunky, clunky, and comes with a trigger pull and feel that S&W would not ship out. It's advantage is that it's less expensive, and can be used as a club if you run out of bullets.

The Smith comes with a much more finely tuned trigger. I have shot nothing but full power in mine (1600 fps reloads at damn near 60K psi). Zero looseness after 10 years or so, and the cylinder gap and backspace haven't changed whatsoever.

Downside...it does have a nanny-lock.

My recommendation...a older 686 or 686+ (which will give you 7 rounds).

[CZ man in LA]

Neither... Get this

[colt python pic]

IMHO if I could only have one or the other it would be the Smith....

I would if I had the $$$$!

My recommendation...a older 686 or 686+ (which will give you 7 rounds).

That's what I am eyeing on, the 686 Plus 7 rds in 4". I like the finish, but I'm worried whether there's any weakness in the cylinder because it's firing 7 rds of 357 (less metal tolerance opposed to 6 rds?)

[calif 15-22]

OP I just bought my first revolver in .357 and looked at both the 686 and the G100 and here is what I thought.

GP100 - Built solid. It feels heavier. Everything seems thicker and beefier from the frame to the grip. Great reviews and a great revolver.

686 Plus - Fit and Finish better. Trigger arguably better. The lines look sleeker to and "sexier" if that matters. Great reviews and a great revolver.

I held both. Dry fired both. Rented a GP100 and a 686 6 shot.

Ended up getting the 686 SSR over the GP100. While a bit more in $$, it's a great shooter and looks fantastic.


You will hear tons of folks talk about "Get an older 686 without the lock" and for me, I'd rather have a brand new revolver. You will also hear about "GP if you are going to run hot loads" as well. With cost of ammo being what it is, I tend to shoot .38 special at the range, and will load .357 for Home Defense.

Good luck on ether as both are great wheel guns. What is your primary use if we can ask?

[GM4spd]

Ones a S&W,the other one is just a revolver. Pete

[CZ man in LA]

What is your primary use if we can ask?

An all around HD and range wheel gun. The only other revolver I have is a Ruger Single Six, the rest being semis.

[calif 15-22]

I would if I had the $$$$!



That's what I am eyeing on, the 686 Plus 7 rds in 4". I like the finish, but I'm worried whether there's any weakness in the cylinder because it's firing 7 rds of 357 (less metal tolerance opposed to 6 rds?)

I think the only "Weakness" in the 7 rounds is finding speedloaders and different classes in Pistol Competitions if you choose to participate.

I have the 686 SSR and a 686 Plus is on my next short list.